Hayes School of Music

The Appalachian State University Bands program currently consists of multiple bands, including the Marching Mountaineers. Serving over four hundred students, the program is designed to provide a musical outlet for wind, brass and percussion players in the university community, as well as professional training for music education and performance majors.

• Appalachian Wind Ensemble
• Appalachian Symphony Band
• Appalachian Concert Band
• Basketball Band
• Jazz Ensembles

The Appalachian Wind Ensemble is the premier concert band of the Hayes School of Music, featuring many of the university's most accomplished wind and percussion musicians. The ensemble performs challenging and innovative literature while maintaining a tradition of artistic excellence.

The Wind Ensemble has appeared at numerous state, regional, and national conferences and conventions, earning recognition for its outstanding performances.

Audition Required

Rehearsals: Monday & Wednesday, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Credit: MUS 1102 (1 credit hour)

The Appalachian Symphony Band is an auditioned ensemble that performs a broad range of traditional and contemporary wind band repertoire. In addition to campus performances, the ensemble occasionally performs in off-campus events and festivals.

Audition Required

Rehearsals

• Fall: Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:45 p.m.
• Spring: Tuesday & Thursday, 12:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Performances

• Two campus concerts each semester
• Additional performances as scheduled

Credit: MUS 1101 (1 credit hour)

The Appalachian Concert Band provides an inclusive performance opportunity for students who wish to continue making music during their college years. The ensemble is especially popular among non-music majors and music majors performing on secondary instruments.

The group performs quality wind band literature and offers a welcoming environment for students who enjoy music as both an artistic and recreational pursuit.

No Audition Required

Rehearsals: Spring Semester Only, Monday & Wednesday, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Performances: Two campus concerts each semester

Credit: MUS 1127 (1 credit hour)

The Basketball Band brings energy and school spirit to Appalachian State men's and women's basketball games. Open to students from across the university, the ensemble helps create an exciting game-day atmosphere and frequently travels to postseason tournaments.

No audition required for winds. Auditions required for drum set and bass guitar.

Performances

• Home basketball games
• Sun Belt Conference Tournament
• NCAA Tournament appearances, when applicable

Credit: MUS 1125 (1 credit hour)

The Appalachian Jazz Ensembles provide students with opportunities to study and perform America's original art form through the exploration of jazz styles, improvisation, and ensemble performance.

Students develop skills in jazz interpretation, improvisation, rhythm, and stylistic performance while performing repertoire from a wide range of jazz traditions.

Credit: MUS 1104 (1 credit hour)

Jazz Ensemble I

Audition Required

Rehearsals: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 12:00 - 12:50 p.m.

Jazz Ensemble II

Audition Required

Rehearsals: Tuesday & Thursday, 2:00 - 3:20 p.m.

Graduate students in the Master of Music Performance – Conducting program have the opportunity for graduate assistantships that include conducting University Bands ensembles. For more information and application details, reach out the band directors.

Learn more about Music Graduate programs

Learn more about scholarships and assistantships

Band Directors